The aqua notebook

All giant steps begin with a notebook. Today I purchased a notebook to officially commence studying for orals. Though I realize that every day of grad school has helped form and prepare me for orals, I also think that this aqua-colored Cal notebook is going to be put to good use. I want to record my thoughts about my areas of specialization, as well as my plans for studying in this notebook (and, who knows, there could even be a need for a second studying notebook!).

Today I made a chart with each of my three areas, and I jotted notes about the intersections between those areas. This kind of studying can reveal the gaps, both in the literature/research out there and in my knowledge! I'll definitely keep the blog updated on my aqua notebook's rollercoaster ride of studying...

Listing, listing

I dug into orals lists yesterday. It made me realize that I've read a lot of stuff about institutional theory! It also made me realize that I need to think more about what's absolutely core to my work, as well as what's seminal and what's just repetitive! Willow gave me a good tip--to start thinking about what arguments I want to be able to make in the orals discussions, so I can plan and study the citations that support those arguments. In other words, use core arguments to help prune the lists, which could help support my sanity :) I'm glad that I've been brainstorming core concepts and tensions for each area of specialization. A goal- to return to those lists tomorrow....